Hearts plan to approach Kilmarnock within 48 hours to hire Derek McInnes as their new manager.

 

The Rugby Park manager remained tight-lipped about the Tynecastle job, but Gorgie officials have identified McInnes as their top target.

According to Record Sport, the Kilmarnock manager is a top contender for the Tynecastle job following Neil Critchley’s dismissal.

McInnes led his team to a 3-2 victory over Dundee, securing their Premiership survival, and now Gorgie officials are set to make a formal move for Ayrshire manager Billy Bowie.

The Capital club is set to receive nearly £10 million in investment from Brighton owner Tony Bloom, with the Jamestown Analytics setup also playing an important role in the recruitment process.

McInnes is widely regarded as the top target for Hearts, and the current Killie manager acknowledges the rumours.

However, when asked if he had anything to say about the situation, he replied, “No. I’ve heard just as much speculation as you have. But anyone who knows me knows that I have a great relationship with the club and Billy Bowie.

“And I’m sure if there had been contact, Billy would have informed me, but there has been no conversation between clubs.

“You can never, ever, as a manager or as a player, stop speculation.” So I’m well aware of it, the chat, and the fact that many people are approaching me. But I speak with Billy and the club on a regular basis, and no one has confirmed any contact.

“So it’s difficult for me to say that when there’s no contact.”

McInnes was pleased to see his side do the business against the Taysiders in front of a raucous home crowd, saying: “I’m just delighted that we’ve managed to get a real highlight. I enjoyed seeing how the players reacted to the fans.

“We’ve put the fans through the ringer a bit in the last few weeks, but you could see the relief clearly in the stands and also a bit of pride in the stands.”